(Cricket news) After being shot out for just 60 runs, Uttar Pradesh was asked to bat on a green top after a delayed start at home in Kanpur. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, in his dream Ranji Trophy comeback, blew away the Bengal top order with his 13th first-class five-for. Mohammed Shami’s younger brother Mohammed Kaif was the star for Bengal, claiming 4 for 14 in his 5.5 overs.
After dismissing Sourav Paul (13) and Sudip Gharami (0) in the space of three balls, Bhuvneshwar (33) returned to take the wickets of Anustup Majumdar (12), captain Manoj Tiwary (3), and Abhishek Porel (12) in the same spell. However, what followed was a Bhuvneshwar masterclass as he marked his first-class return by claiming 5 for 25 from 13 overs, three of which were maidens.
After Friday’s performance, it will be interesting to see if the selectors are persuaded to reevaluate Bhuvneshwar, given the impending five-match home Test series between India and England and the uncertainty surrounding Shami’s return.
Mukesh Kumar of Bengal, who is currently playing for his country’s T20I team, is still ahead of Bhuvneshwar in the rankings. At stumps, Bengal were 95 for 5, with Sayan Ghosh, the lone recognized Bengal batsman, remaining at eight. He bats with Karan Lal.
